The Unexpected Processed Ingredient You Should Stop Putting In Your Body If You Want To Lose Weight This Spring

High fructose corn syrup (HFCS)

While you may already know to limit your intake of refined sugar, Richards says that high fructose corn syrup is one of the worst sneaky ingredients that could be working its way into your diet and holding you back from your weight loss goals. "HFCS is a type of sugar that is commonly used in many processed foods and beverages, such as soft drinks, candy, and baked goods," she explains. "It is cheaper and easier to use in manufacturing than regular sugar, which is why it has become so prevalent in the food industry."

However, since this ingredient is highly processed, it's one of the worst things you could put into your body if you're trying to slim down. Richards says one of the main reasons for this is the high calorie content. "The problem with HFCS is that it is a concentrated source of calories that can contribute to weight gain when consumed in excess," she tells us. In addition to all those calories, it could also cause you to overindulge: "Studies have also shown that HFCS can interfere with the body's ability to regulate hunger and lead to overeating," Richards goes on. And we all know that this is never a good thing if you're watching your waistline.

So, next time you're at the grocery store, check your nutrition labels. Keep an eye out not only for regular sugar, but also for HFCS. You may be surprised when you see it pop up in seemingly healthy foods. "It's important to read food labels carefully and look for hidden sources of HFCS in foods you may not expect, such as salad dressings, condiments, and even some types of bread," Richards points out.

If you want to keep your body as healthy as possible, your best bet is always to limit your intake of processed foods and ingredients like this one as much as possible. "By cutting out foods that contain HFCS and choosing whole, unprocessed foods instead, you may be able to reduce your overall calorie intake and promote weight loss," Richards concludes.